The 5th annual Zetech University Research and Innovation Fair witnessed the highest number of exhibitors ever, with more than 20 corporates and individuals showcasing their brilliant innovations.
Speaking during the event, Dr. Wahome Rureri who represented the Principal Secretary, State Department for University Education and Research lauded the University for the steps it has taken to facilitate research and innovation, highlighting that research is the hall mark of any globally successful university.
With its fully equipped innovation lab commonly known as the iZet Hub, Zetech is nationally renowned for its technology prowess in the higher education sphere.
Prof. Njenga Munene, the Zetech University Vice Chancellor said the University also prides itself in having a fully funded Research Directorate and the Vice Chancellor’s Research Grant, an annual fund that supports faculty involved in research, making it a foremost institution committed to leading the conversation on the use of technology for sustainable socioeconomic development.
He challenged the innovators, both young and old, to ensure their innovations solve the basic needs of communities and fulfil the five pillars of the SDGs framework, outlined as people, prosperity, planet, peace and partnership.
The event also witnessed prominent members of Academia and Industry such as Dr. James Mulli from the European Business University of Luxembourg and Dr. Nicodemus Kitukutha, Finance Director at Kiambu County Government engaged in panel discussions on issues inhibiting research and innovation in universities and how best to harness the same by innovators for sustainability.
Among the most attractive innovations on display at the fair were the E-Mobilis, a hybrid electric motorcycle developed by the Zetech University Senior Faculty of Innovation and Entrepreneurship Prof. Gitau Kamau. The E-Mobilis has been verified by international journals such as the Associated Press, and its full details are available on the www.zetech.ac.ke website.
Other attractions at the fair included the regulated beehive that has standard temperature, sugar content and humidity control devices installed, and the recyclable oil mound fuel that has potassium hydroxide as a by-product after burning and can be used in farming. The stunning innovations can be found on www.facebook.com/ZetechUniv .
Jabez Mutune, Kenya Climate Innovation Center’s representative added that their GreenBiz solution in partnership with centers such as Zetech University aimed at transforming agriculture through climate change adaptations, and sought to reduce the average age of a farmer in Kenya from 65 to 35.
